The first large-scale publication dedicated to this new cultural center, which opened to the public in July 2016. A lavish publication that will fascinate anyone with an interest in the Middle East, offering insight into Oman's past, present and future. Beautifully designed with new colour photography The National Museum, Sultanate of Oman, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the treasures of Oman's cultural heritage. The magnificent new building, opened in July 2016, houses a collection that spans Oman's history from the earliest human settlement - around two million years ago - to the present day. Illustrated throughout with highlights from the galleries, this book illuminates Oman's rich maritime, military and religious history. The National Museum, Sultanate of Oman is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the treasures of Oman's cultural heritage. A magnificent new building, located in Muscat, marks the emergence of this major new international museum, and will house more than 7,000 pieces showcasing Oman's history from the earliest human settlement to the present time. This official visitor guidebook is being published to mark the opening of the new museum. Illustrated throughout with objects from the collection and texts, it features highlights from all the museum's galleries, including The Land and the People, Maritime History, Arms and Armour, Civilisation in the Making, Aflaj, Currency, Prehistory and Ancient History, Splendours of Islam, Oman and the World, Intangible Heritage and Oman's modern Renaissance. AUTHOR: Jamal al-Moosawi is director of the National Museum, Sultanate of Oman. SELLING POINTS: . First guidebook on the historic collections of Oman's new National Museum . The opening of the new museum building in Muscat is set to have an international impact in 2016 . Latest title in Scala's Highlights series of guidebooks. Previous titles include the Museum of London 100 colour